c.w. parker carousel museum

Leavenworth’s #1 attraction opened in 2005 and features a newly restored, fully operational 1913 C.W. Parker Carousel, originally made in Leavenworth by the C.W. Parker Carousel Amusement Company. The carousel was created during the period when this company was famous nationally and internationally for its unique and creative carousels and associated amusement devices. Also on display is the oldest primitive carousel in the United States and a 1950s aluminum Paul Parker Carousel.Hours: Thursday-Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday from 1-5 p.m.Contact: 320 S Esplanade Street, Leavenworth, KS 66048 Phone (913) 682-1331Cost: No charge to browse however admission is charged for a tour and to ride the carousel$6 per person Allow 1 hour and 30 minutes

Who We Are

Owned and operated by the Leavenworth Historical Museum Association. The museum is 100% run by volunteers. If you would like information about volunteering a few hours every week or month, please contact the Association today at (913) 682-1866.

Our History

In 1892 Parker bought a used Armitage/Herschell track machine and operated it until 1894 when he built his own track machine and started the C.W. Parker factory in Abilene, KS.

Parker went from track machine to the jumping carousels, from steam to electric. The carving on the horses began to get more fanciful through the years as he continued to grow. By 1905 Parker had four full-sized carnivals on tour throughout the country.

In 1911 Parker began moving to a new much larger factory he was building in Leavenworth. This is where he built hundreds of small traveling carousels that were used by carnivals worldwide. He also built five large, extravagant "park" machines, designed to be permanently installed in large amusement parks. Only one of those five is still in existence in Jantzen Beach Mall, Portland Oregon.

Learn all about C.W. Parker and more a the C.W. Parker Carousel Museum and Gift Shop.